22/09/2018  Shatin  Race 2

MASSIVE MOVE began only fairly, shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of REGENCY HONEY which also shifted in, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. After this, despite being vigorously ridden, MASSIVE MOVE failed to muster speed. CORRE RAPIDO lost its right front plate shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of EVER STRONG which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SNOWHOOVES. Near the 950 Metres, REGENCY HONEY raced tight inside ROOKIE STAR which shifted in when also racing tight inside EVER STRONG due to that horse being taken in by SNOWHOOVES (Z Purton) which shifted in when not properly clear. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Approaching the first turn near the 700 Metres, ROOKIE STAR commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind EVER STRONG. Throughout the race, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and SEA PEARL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY SOUND, C Y Ho stated that the horse did not travel down to the Start as strongly as it did first up this season when successful. He said it was intended for HAPPY SOUND to take up a forward position, however, despite being hard ridden in the early stages, the horse failed to show any early speed and was not able to maintain its position. He said, despite continuing to pressure HAPPY SOUND for a considerable distance, the horse would not respond to his riding and consequently raced at the rear of the field. He added making the turn after the 600 Metres HAPPY SOUND gave further ground and then in the early part of the Straight did not make up ground and for this reason he eased it down over the final 150 Metres when the horse was well beaten. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SOUND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HAPPY SOUND, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY SOUND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on YOUNG DREAMER at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG DREAMER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ROOKIE STAR, MASSIVE MILLENNIUM and YOUNG DREAMER were sent for sampling.